Wide-ranging Program from Occupy SMA

By Jim Carey

Once again we are excited to welcome Laura Carlsen, the Director of the Center for International Policy’s Americas Program. US and Canadian expats will want to attend this event. Since 1985 Laura and her Americas Program have been leading sources of information for activists, academics, and citizens concerned about US foreign policy in Latin America, human rights, and movements for social justice within the hemisphere.

Lecture “Latest Developments in Mexico on the Reforms, War on Drugs, Immigration, Globalization, and the Consequences of US Policies on Mexico” By Laura Carlsen Mon, Oct 3, 1pm Teatro Santa Ana La Biblioteca Reloj 50A Free

Many local San Miguel residents are asking questions about the Merida Accord and the continuing war on drugs―the 27,000 who have disappeared and well over 100,000 who have been killed. Are there any signs of an end to the slaughter and the US militarization of Mexico? Do we know how much of US taxpayers’ money has been spent on this war?

US citizens and many Mexicans are asking: “What if Trump wins? What would be the impact of a Trump presidency on Mexico?” Trump has threatened to build a wall and deport two million undocumented residents within hours. What would be the impact of that on the United States and Mexican economies?

The teachers’ strike against educational reform has seen a dozen killed and hundreds wounded in the southern states. Hundreds of thousands of citizens, teachers, Zapatistas, parents of the 43 Ayotzinapa student teachers who disappeared, and the Morena movement have joined against Peña Nieto’s governmental reforms. How successful can this social movement become as a new coalition of leftist democratic activists?

Canadians ask about their corporate mining in Mexico and Latin America. How has this affected local sovereignty?

Laura brings her 35 years of thoughtful experience and knowledge about Mexico to this event. Her Americas Program acts as a cyber hub in Latin American news and analysis to link up “movements in migration, food sovereignty, drug war, democracy and society, land and territory, social movements, human rights, and gender equality.” Their goal is to “seek to increase North-South dialogue, break down stereotypes, and help inform and broaden networks.”

Join Occupy and the Center for International Policy on Monday at La Biblioteca. Bring your questions. The event is open to all.